Yet equipped

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
– Phillippians 3:12

I am reminded of the passage in Song of Solomon:

“My beloved is mine, and I am his.”

Having reached a good level and advanced maturity, Paul is aware more and more of his “immaturity” or imperfection. He is aware and open about the nature of his heart, yet he presses forward taking one step after the next. In a race, there is much ground to be covered; understanding where you are supposed to be is important to the racer, and the knowledge of placement is balanced with the mindset of completion…of attainment. What a runner races for is equally important as where a runner finds themselves.

I believe this is the balance between faith and works. The call of God is the finish line; it is the call of Christ himself, and a calling to himself! It is “my beloved is mine.” This mindset is what begins our race and what finishes it. This call is balanced with our footwork, our actions, our works, our response to the call of God. It is a good and healthy practice to consistently check in with our progression; are we on track…off track? The great secret to this race is knowing that our coach has taught us well; He has taught us, and equipped us with the techniques to finish well.

So also this is a plea to make this race my own, to make it personal. Knowing my weaknesses and my strengths, all the while utilizing the Spirit to finish in good fashion. It is in His Spirit where I find my strength and in my weakness where I find His strength. My race might not look like another’s and pacing might differ between other’s; and while some race in cars, and I in a boat race, ultimately, I am always equipped for the race I have been placed in…the way that I experience God, the way I make Him my own, and the way I find myself in Him is unique…yet equipped.

Judgments of rebels and of kings

Now Absalom used to get up early and stand beside the road that led to the city gate. Whenever anyone came by who had a complaint to bring to the king for arbitration, Absalom would call out to him, “What city are you from?” The person would answer, “I, your servant, am from one of the tribes of Israel.” Absalom would then say to him, “Look, your claims are legitimate and appropriate. But there is no representative of the king who will listen to you.”

Then Absalom would say,
“Oh that I were judge in the land! Then every man with a dispute or cause might come to me, and I would give him justice.”
– 2 Samuel 15:2-4

Let us study the nature of two men; one a rebel, the other a king.

Absalom was characterized with a heart of judgement, often taking matters into his own internal consultation. He sees all the wrong in the world, yet refuses to look at his own heart. Ironically if justice was truly served, Absalom would be dead (for he murdered his brother Amnon). But such is the blindness of one who is right in their own eyes.

David on the other hand, recognizes his blindness and allows wisdom to form his inner being. David, when cursed and hit with stones (2 Samuel 16:5), does not act out of a heart of self-righteousness (though the stone thrower deserved death according to law) David leaves the incident to the Lord, knowing that He is the perfect judge; trusting then in the retribution of God.

While my temperament leans towards judgement, I must submit to the rulership, the authority, and the judgment of God. I do not know better than He. His thoughts are higher than my own. If my heart is submitted to God, then I must also submit to those in authority above me…those He has placed to rightly judge my person. With this heart stance I avoid a life striving towards rebellion.

Lord will you shape my heart towards obedience. Keep rebellion far from my person. Help me to lead in humility. Keep my thoughts from rash judgement. Shape my person to be one of kindness and mercy towards others. May my heart be pliable to the yoke you have placed over me.
Amen